The United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan said in Beijing Saturday that China, as a permanent member of the UN Security Council, should play a bigger role in UN affairs.
Meeting the press upon arrival on a visit to China at the airport, Annan said that China has participated in some peacekeeping operations with the UN, such as in East Timor, and sent observers to join other operations.
"China has the capacity to do more," he said.
Annan said that the purpose of his current visit is to discuss with Chinese leaders on issues related to the UN and "hot issues."
As the traditional Chinese lunar new year approaches, Annan expressed his best wishes for the Chinese people, adding that he hope that the Chinese people will enjoy "good health, happiness, and prosperity" in the new year.
The secretary-general also answered questions about the political situation in the Philippines, Africa, and the Korea Peninsula.
This is Annan's fourth trip to China since he became the secretary-general in 1997.
(Xinhua 01/20/2001)
